Greenpeace calls for 'swift action' after oil spill off UAE coast
Greenpeace on Thursday warned that an oil spill resulting from a tanker collision off the coast of the United Arab Emirates could have grave environmental consequences.
On Tuesday, the UAE coastguard said it rescued 24 crew members of the Adalynn oil tanker after it collided with the Front Eagle vessel in the Gulf of Oman, off the coast of the Khor Fakkan.
On Wednesday, the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure said the accident was " caused by a navigational misjudgment by one of the vessels".
The incident took place close to the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a waterway between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran that carries one-fifth of global oil output.
"Greenpeace Middle East and North Africa (MENA) has warned of a potential environmental disaster after two crude oil tankers collided," the group said in a statement.
The environmental campaign group said satellite imagery indicated a "large plume of oil stretching up to around 1,500 hectares from the site of the crash".
Khaleej Times has reached out to the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. A response is awaited.
The group said the Adalynn was part of a Russian "shadow fleet", which it described as "a collection of partially obsolete tankers that operate below basic security standards and carry Russian oil".
Greenpeace said the Adalynn could be carrying about 70,000 tonnes of crude oil, despite being officially listed in ballast condition, and therefore should not have been carrying cargo. The Front Eagle is owned by shipping company Frontline.
Farah Al Hattab of Greenpeace urged authorities to "act swiftly to contain the spill and assess its ecological impact".
"Oil spills endanger marine life, disrupt delicate ecological balances and possibly the entire food web, and carry the potential to spark widespread environmental damage," she said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al Etihad
20 minutes ago
- Al Etihad
UAE premier strategic partner: French Trade Minister
20 June 2025 17:43 PARIS (WAM)Laurent Saint-Martin, France's Delegate Minister for Foreign Trade and French Nationals Abroad, said that the UAE holds a top-tier position in France's economic and trade policy in the Gulf region. He emphasised the depth and distinction of bilateral relations, particularly on the economic and diplomatic statements to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), on the sidelines of the 'Vision Golfe 2025', organised by the French government at the headquarters of the Ministries of Economy and Finance in Paris, Minister Laurent Saint-Martin praised the exceptional momentum in the UAE-France partnership and called for elevating cooperation to new levels, especially in industry, renewable energy, digital economy, and innovation.'The UAE is undoubtedly a priority for France among Gulf nations,' said the minister. 'It is not only a key regional and economic force, but also a modern, dynamic development model that aligns with our vision for future international relations, rooted in innovation, sustainability, and openness.'He added that France seeks to strengthen partnerships with countries that share its strategic outlook and values, stating that the UAE stands out as an ideal partner in this economic ties, Minister Saint-Martin noted that France has maintained one of the oldest and most solid records of trade and investment relations with the UAE in the Gulf region. These ties, he said, are built not on chance or temporary alliances, but on mutual trust, understanding, and long-term respect.'We have worked with the UAE for decades, and we take pride in what our companies have achieved in the Emirati market,' he said. 'Today, we have a real opportunity to expand this cooperation in line with global economic shifts, through innovation-driven, high-quality partnerships.'He urged the business communities in both countries to seize the current momentum and strengthen ties between Emirati and French companies, particularly in advanced technologies, artificial intelligence, and green transformation.'We must move beyond traditional cooperation toward productive, integrated partnerships. Our companies need to collaborate more effectively and cohesively.'On the diplomatic front, Minister Saint-Martin described UAE-France relations as solid and time-tested, backed by continuous dialogue and strategic coordination on multiple fronts, both bilaterally and in international stressed that France views the UAE as a long-term strategic partner, expressing confidence that cooperation is poised to grow further amid evolving global challenges. 'We live in a fast-changing world,' he concluded, 'and global challenges, whether environmental, digital, or economic, require trusted, forward-looking partners. The UAE is undoubtedly one of the most prominent among them.'
The National
35 minutes ago
- The National
UAE evacuates citizens and residents from Iran amid conflict
The UAE on Friday announced it had evacuated 'a number of citizens and residents' stranded in Iran due to the conflict with Israel. The evacuees were flown to the Emirates in rescue missions carried out with the support of Iranian authorities, state news agency Wam reported. Airspace was closed over Iran and other countries in the region after Israel launched a wave of missile attacks on Tehran last Friday. Iran and Israel have continued to exchange fire in the days since. The hostilities have caused widespread travel disruption, with many airlines suspending and rerouting flights in response. The UAE said it was involved in extensive diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the deepening crisis in the region and restore stability and security. Emirati authorities did not say how many citizens and residents were flown out of Iran under the humanitarian campaign. UAE support The UAE on Tuesday announced it would waive overstay fines for Iranian citizens facing delays leaving the Emirates because of travel restrictions imposed due to the Israel-Iran conflict. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) said the measures would apply to residents and visitors holding any type of entry visa. The decision has been made under the directives of President Sheikh Mohamed in solidarity with those caught up in 'exceptional circumstances' affecting the region.
Al Etihad
an hour ago
- Al Etihad
Sheikha Fatima thanks Türkiye for hosting 'Mother of the Nation' exhibition in Ankara
ANKARA (WAM) Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the Mother of the Nation, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF), extended thanks and appreciation to the Republic of Türkiye, its government and people, for hosting the 'Mother of the Nation' exhibition in Ankara. Her Highness Sheikha Fatima praised the initiative as a reflection of the deep-rooted fraternal ties between the UAE and Türkiye, nurtured under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of the Republic of Türkiye. Her Highness emphasised the continuous growth in UAE-Türkiye relations across all fields, bolstered by the shared vision of both nations' leadership and their mutual commitment to strengthening cooperation and friendship. These relations, she noted, are founded on mutual respect, joint interests, and a shared aspiration for a better future. Her Highness Sheikha Fatima also expressed particular gratitude to President Erdoğan for the Turkish Presidency's patronage of the exhibition, commending his enduring support for bilateral ties and initiatives that enhance social and humanitarian collaboration. Her Highness further conveyed special thanks to Emine Erdoğan, the wife of President of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for her dedication in supporting the exhibition, lauding her distinguished contributions to Turkish society in the cultural, humanitarian, and social spheres, as well as her efforts to promote women's role in sustainable development. Her Highness Sheikha Fatima emphasised that the exhibition serves as an important cultural and social bridge between the two nations. It promotes mutual understanding, knowledge exchange, and cooperation in areas such as women's empowerment, family development, and community welfare. The exhibition, Her Highness added, embodies shared values and a joint commitment to sustainable development on both regional and global levels. The selection of the Nation's Library of the Presidency, as the exhibition venue carries symbolic weight, reflecting the high esteem in which UAE-led initiatives are held in Türkiye and the depth of official and popular relations between the two countries. Organised by the UAE Ministry of Interior, the "Mother of the Nation" exhibition celebrates the inspiring humanitarian and social legacy of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak. It showcases key milestones in her decades of service to the community, presenting her as a national role model whose life continues to inspire generations. The exhibition also highlights the achievements of Emirati women and promotes cultural and intellectual exchange between the Emirati and Turkish peoples.
